Jewellery

Jewellery SALE now on!

Ok. It's January. It's been Christmas, and holidays, and just generally... a lot. BUT: we have some incredible sales on jewellery (and more) on Hello Pretty and now's the perfect time for you to give yourself a pretty little pick-me-up.

In the photo above we have a solid rose gold and quartz ring from MD Jewellery Design that is on special with R500 discount! Usually R1 500, now only R1 000 . For. Solid. Gold! No, there's no catch.

? Click here to shop.

These three beauts are from Glove Jewellery. Glove is special to us because they're one of our oldest sellers on Hello Pretty. The products featured in the list above are:

Left: Handmade sterling silver lion picture disc necklace.    Was R310, now R155.
Middle: Sterling silver / rose or yellow gold plated custom initial necklace.    Was R320, now R140  .
Right: Sterling silver giraffe picture disc necklace.    Was R310, now R155  .

Left: Sterling Silver & Resin Earings. by Natasha Wood.     Was R750, now R650
Top right: Dainty Flower Bracelet by La Mae Jewellery.    Was R780, now R650  .
Bottom right: Brass Goldfish Necklace by SMITH Jewellery.    Was R875, now R400  .

Top left: Dawn Bracelet. Was R200, now R100. Made by Lula Creations.

Top right: Dusk Bracelet. Was R200, now R100. Made by Lula Creations.

Bottom left: Reclaimed Porcelain Necklace. Was R600, now R300. Made by Nonnapot.

Bottom right: Black Diamond Rose Gold Studs. Was R1 950, now R1 600. Made by MD Handmade Jewellery.

Hey ? HP Seller, Silver Song Jewellery

I am Suzanne Groenewald, jewellery designer and manufacturer of Silver Song Jewellery. I draw my inspiration from the beauty and lure of nature, specifically trees and leaves. I have a fascination with gemstones and love working with unique gems. Most of my pieces are designed around specific gemstones. I work with all kinds of metals but prefer to use silver, for its beautiful colour and character.

I believe that jewellery is a precious treasure, regardless of the cost or material used. It is something personal and valuable, to be adored and admired. Personally I love to look at all kinds of beautiful jewellery, to admire the workmanship and design of it, to buy it and to make it, to wear it, to hoard it and to share it. I simply love all things about jewellery! Through making jewellery, I hope to share my passion thereof with anyone who wants to look at or buy my pretty shiny things.

Mid last year I took on an exciting new endeavor and opened an online store on Hello Pretty. I did this in order to share my jewellery with a broader audience and I am very happy to be part of the Hello Pretty community! Every jewellery piece that I make is uniquely designed and manufactured by hand. I never stock a large selection, as my focus is on uniqueness and quality, not quantity. Starting this online store has definitely been my business high since it forced me to rethink and reconfirm my design principles and the direction in which I want Silver Song Jewellery to go.

My advice to any new Hello Pretty sellers out there: Go for it! Let no one stop you from doing what you love and from sharing your passion with the world.

This blog post is one in Hello Pretty's guest blog series. Each post is written by a person who is running their online store though South Africa's favourite art, design & craft marketplace.

If you'd like to more view guest posts in this series, and other posts where we interview local businesses, click here.

Wanna write a guest post on Hello Pretty? Email us at info@hellopretty.co.za to find out more.

Hey ? HP Seller, Apparition Jewellery

My name is Kristin Miles, owner of Apparition Jewellery. I have always been a very creative person, and it's been my dream to have my own store for years. My parents encouraged me to be creative, and I realised from a young age that is the thing I enjoy most in life. I enjoy metal music, however I also enjoy pop and classical. I don't like limiting myself in terms of the creative mediums I can enjoy.

My store was born from this love of the arts and creativity. I tried my hand at wire jewellery, but it didn't come naturally to me. I had a few extra supplies lying around after my attempts, so I started putting some earrings together - something I had started doing during my years at college. When I looked around online for types of jewellery, I noticed that a few of the items I had made were actually chainmaille weaves, and thus my business was born.

I find immense joy in creating the pieces in my store. Each is made with love, one ring at a time, to ensure the highest quality and care. I used to always go buy jewellery in stores, but then you see so many people wearing the same accessories as you! I feel that, with my business, I can offer something rather unique to people just like me, and allow people to better express their individuality.

I have faced challenges during the short time I've had my business. I've had people upset that I do the same craft as them and them trying to smear my name. But you just have to rise above the drama and remember what your own goals are and who you are as a person. In business, there will always be challenges, but that is just something you need to learn to deal with. The satisfaction I feel when I create something new that I never made before is just so amazing, and it makes it all worth it.

The highlights for me is that I can just keep growing. There is so much for me to still learn and so much to try! There are no limits to what I am capable of, and I can't wait to learn and do more.

The lows so far have really only been facing the unnecessary drama others cause. I strongly feel that as crafters and small business owners, we should be supporting and uplifting each other rather than breaking each other down or trying to hamper progress. There are more than enough people in this world to buy your product, so there is no need to fight or try to hurt each other.

My tips for new sellers is to just go for it! There is nothing in this world you cannot do or learn. You are your own limitation. People will always try to get in your way, but that's an indication that those people should not be in your life. Surround yourself with loving, supportive people, and just do what you love. If your craft makes you happy, then go for it.

Studio & neighbourhood tour with A Ring To It

Hello Pretty was lucky enough to be invited to a studio experience tour by Stacy Beukes, the insanely talented jewelry designer behind A Ring To It.

A Ring to It jewelry design is renowned for interactive pieces that tell a story. This studio tour was no different and we began our morning with a chat by Stacy explaining the rich socio-cultural history that informs her studio space as well as each design and final product.

Much like Stacy's unique laugh, the studio experience tour proved to be inspiringly special. The talk provided a rich contextual background with stories from Stacy's childhood and her parents childhoods - these form the foundation upon which Stacy creates her pieces.

We got a lovely peek inside the studio where Stacy and her apprentice Cynthia demonstrated the process of making a hand crafted silver necklace. It was awe inspiring to see how much how much work is involved in each step of the process.

Stacy provided explanations for every aspect of the design and manufacture process. Each tool has a rich history behind it. Every decor item in her studio has a story.

Over bagels and bubbles we discussed the inspiration that informs Stacy's new range called 'Kinners'. We all nostalgically reminisced about 90's iconic symbols.

We each received a beautifully individualized name necklace which is Stacy's take on the cheap plastic white block name necklaces we all got as children.

It was such a great end to the studio experience. Sitting in the sun at a gorgeously decorated table layered with pinks and tropical leaves we got to bond over things that make us uniquely South African.
Stacy's jewelry pieces managed to spark those sweet memories we all have from childhood and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since.

Dress your Love Story

A few posts back I introduced a new blog series that we're doing focused around fashion / decor & frangrance pairing. For this week's post I'm going to build a few outfit possibilities that match a beautiful new Chloe perfume called Love Story.

If you're familiar with the brand you'll probably have noticed that Chloe fragrances are unique and quite identifiable. I'm no expert at articulately describing fragrance notes, so I will just say that this is floral and light. It has that classic Chloe thing going on, but it's a youthful, whimsical, girl-next-door take. And can I describe a fragrance as romantic? I'd say this one is. The packaging is really pretty too. I'm not a "Save the box!" kind of girl, but I saved the box (it's stashed in my cupboard next to my iPhone box, which I also couldn't bear to part with).

We have no shortage of feminine, floral, whimsical things on Hello Pretty, all made by South African hands. It's kind of our thing ? Here are some that will complement your Love Story.

First up, House of Kallie's Rose Gold & Morganite Solitaire Ring. BE STILL MY HEART.

This magnificent thing is new on the site. I mean though... a pink gemstone in rose gold? What could go better with something called "Love Story"?

And some more of the plenty I mentioned earlier:

1. Mandarin Collar Blouse from Every Mooi Nooi
2. Sterling Silver Stacking Rings from The Daisychain
3. Small Protea Leaf Earrings from Reverie Designs
4. Sterling Silver Wire Ring from The Daisychain
5. Sterling Silver Kitty Playing with Wool Pendant from Jessica Jane Jewellery
6. Afternoon Light Necklace from A Bird Named Frank

1. The Sam Wrap Dress from Samsama Designs
2. Coeur de Rose Peep Toes from LanziLove
3. FRUITSALAD Pineapple Earrings from Miss H Jewellery Design
4. XOXO Bracelet from Jewellery by Jessica
5. Black Diamond and Rose Gold Ring from Chongo & Wells
6. Misu Dress from Cinnamon
7. Peach Blush Flat Pumps from LanziLove

This pretty little flower crown in the photo below is the Pastel Dream, from Sunkissked Handmade. She has loads of them ande they're all pretty. There is also a bunny-ears option, and a unicorn option.

The Last Resort

Are you guys still spinning as much from the Christmas shopping carnage as we are? Besides the obvious need to get gifts for our loved ones (and the office Secret Santa), let's all be honest with ourselves here: we all like to sneak in a little "Treat Yo'. Self" gift here and there. Because we deserve it.

We love attending pop-ups and markets, and discovering new designers and hanging out with the ones we know. Last year, Joanna Hedley, the designer & entrepreneur behind a luxury swimwear brand called BeachCult put on a designer showcase & pop-up before the Christmas season and we found loads of talent we hadn't known about.

There was art, fashion, swimwear, jewellery, accessories... a little bit of everything. It was a gorgeous curation of designers and a product range that would almost certainly make your heart skip. I really should have taken that gorgeous Kerbholz watch home with me.

Go on and check out this talent. The designers represented were: BeachCult, Granadilla, Taibo Bacar, Michael Maven, Twins for Peace, Lisp, Ross & Brown, Ayagoods, Summah, Soul Design Jewellery, Yellow Jewellery, Khukutsi, Bagmee, Iloni Jewellery, SMITH Jewellery, Gabriela Fraser, Le Short, Diva Jeans, 35 Degrees, Kerbholz Watches, Wholistic Bodycare, and MASH Boutique.

Here's some pop-up eye candy for you:

The event was hosted at 91 Loop Hotel and The Honey Badger Restaurant (which is a really cute little spot - if you're in Cape Town, pop in).

Ring Bling With Hello Pretty

Jewellery is definitely a girl’s best friend and I love how wearing many rings is in fashion at the moment. Whether you like big chunky rings or small dainty rings, layer them up to give your look that extra something.

Seeing as though more is more in the jewellery world, you can shop for some cute rings without feeling too guilty! Hello Pretty has some amazing designers and I’ve found five rings that you should add to your collection.

This sterling silver ring from Rollin Vintage is simple but different enough to create a statement. I am loving rose gold at the moment, this rose gold plated diamond ring from WHYJewellery will make you stand out, you should treat yourself. The resin ring from Sugarbird Jewellery Design is very unique; a dried Gaura Belleza has been set in resin and sterling silver.

The onyx stack ring from Meraki Jewellery Design is a great option for stacking your rings, just as its name suggests. The sterling silver cross-over ring from Muchi Galoosh would look great stacked with others as a midi ring or on its own.

My favourite is the resin ring from Sugarbird Jewellery, I love that it's something completely different!

Image One: sterling silver ring
Image Two: rose gold ring
Image Three: resin ring
Image Four: onyx stack ring
Image Five: silver cross-over ring

Colour Palette- Blues

Navy, powder blue, periwinkle, baby blue and duck shell blue; there are so many different shades of blue. I think duck shell blue is my favourite, it literally goes with anything without being too overbearing. There are so many beautiful blue products on Hello Pretty and these are my favourite.

The twisted blue topaz ring from Secrets Unearthed, is beautiful. Who doesn’t like some statement jewellery?

This 60’s chair from Something Blue Living is great and a few of them around your dining room table will definitely add some character.

I love the blue glass seedbead necklace from Blossom Handmade, to add some colour to your outfit.

What’s not to love about the Rattan blue scatter cushion from Phlo Studio?

Something for the kids; Duke the Rhino from Sprouts Kids Co is just the best to cuddle with.

Image One: Blue topaz ring
Image Two: Blue chair
Image Three: Seedbead necklace
Image Four: Blue scatter cushion
Image Five: Duke the rhino

African Fever

Even through the bad times, there are so many good things about our country that make us proud to be South Africans. Our country is diverse, has great weather, is extremely beautiful and we have some of the friendliest people. So let’s celebrate our country with a little African fever.

If you, like me, have friends and family living overseas, why not send them a little gift from home? Or if you are relocating to another country, take a little something from home with you.

This is perfect as a gift to yourself or to a friend; the I lost my heart in Africa necklace from Hallo Jane or these African cufflinks from Duke & Dutch, are small and light enough to fit into a travel bag. This beautiful African ring from Thula is a great gift as well. Now there’s no excuse that you have no space!

It’s always nice to bring a little bit of Africa into your home with subtle pieces. Nolene Huisamen makes this beautiful African wooden clock, which would look great in your kitchen. The Bushveld Studio has this amazing set of three canvas art prints, to bring the wild side out in you.

Image One- I lost my heart in Africa
Image Two- African Cufflinks
Image Three- African Ring
Image Four- African Wooden Clock
Image Five- Canvas Art Prints

Colour Palette- Greens

The Bosco Verticale in Milan has inspired me to put together a colour palette of beautiful green products from Hello Pretty. A little green here and there can brighten up your home and wardrobe with ease. If you like to take risks go for something in lime green or a rich emerald, and if you like to stay on the safe side, go for something in mint or pale green.

I really like this green handstitched Lulu bag from Created in Eden. It’s not too risky but adds a bit of colour. The arrows green scatter cushion from Phlo Studio is great for some subtle colour too. For something a little brighter, they have this amazing lime green seedling sheen scatter cushion.

The Green African Shield from African Swell Creations will brighten up your home; it can be used as table décor or put up on the wall. If you are feeling colourful, go for this green seedbead bracelet from Blossom Handmade, which will brighten up your outfit.